Apple Inc. Trademarks 3D iPod Shape

by Jody Mitoma on May 13, 2008 at 1:36 pm

According to the Wall Street Journal Apple has received a new trademark for the three-dimensional shape of the classic/nano iPod.

Traditional trademarks have generally been granted for two-dimensional designs (logos, etc.) so actually trademarking the shape of the iPod is unusual. One key advantage of the trademark over patents is that while the latter expire after a period of time, a trademark can be continually renewed.

This trademark has us wondering, though, why Apple would trademark the three-dimensional shape of the older iPod Classic/Nano models, and not the iPod Touch.

My guess for this is because the iPod Touch simply has a huge screen with one button, making it not as noticeable as an iPod as the iPod Classic and Nano’s do. When you say iPod, most of us will still picture iPod Classic’s and iPod Nano’s in our minds - you know, the one’s with a huge circular control pad in the center.

In other news, Apple has also applied for a similar trademark for the iPhone.

(Source: TUAW)

Posted in Apple Corporate, Apple Patents, News Related